Agenda with Maps and Applications (21Mb) - pdf - Selby District ...

In terms of location, there is no doubt that the proposed rebuild would be further away from
the listed building when compared to the existing structure. At its nearest points the
nursing home is presently between 11m (single storey) and 13m (two storeys) from the
Church. The proposed redevelopment, at its nearest point to the west facing church gable,
would be 22m away. The 35m distance referred to by the applicants is taken from the main
entrance.
It can be agreed that the opportunity for views around the listed church and the feeling of
separation between it and the proposed development would be an improvement upon the
present situation. However, historically the church was physically linked to the main
Scarthingwell Hall, and that outriggers attached to the hall wrapped around the building in
a similar manner to the present nursing home. As such, the proposed open aspect of the
church would not reflect the historic layout and grain of the built environment around the
church.
Furthermore the buildings comprising the existing nursing home are rather low. These
would be replaced by building that are considerably higher and have an increased scale
and mass. This would be exacerbated by the higher ground level of the nursing home site
to the chapel. The overall effect is such that the proposed new building would compete
with the listed building and in this respect the proposal would detract from the setting of the
listed building.
In addition to the above it is noted that the design of the existing nursing home is ‘modern’
and of rather poor quality. Notwithstanding this there is no presumption that new buildings
should attempt to create a pastiche of the former buildings that they replace or that they
should be traditional appearance per se. Current conservation philosophy recognises that
building design, structure and form has changed throughout time and expects that new
buildings should be of their time. There is an emphasis on good quality design, including
matter of materials and scale.
The proposed nursing home would use artificial stone, by virtue of its scale would compete
with listed building and is of indifferent appearance.
On balance it is considered that the proposed scheme would have at worse a neutral
effect and at best a marginal improvement and therefore would preserve the setting of the
listed building. As such the proposal would not be contrary to the guidance contained
within PPG15: Planning and the Historic Environment.
4. Effect Upon the Historic Park
The historic park designation is a local designation and the effect of proposed
development on a park or its setting is a material consideration. Policy ENV16 would only
allow development if the appearance, setting, character or amenity of the park would not
be harmed.
The review of the Park in 1998 concluded that not enough of the historic layout survived to
merit inclusion in the national list, it was recorded however that the interestingly shaped
pond and some of the old trees, for example, form an interesting component of the historic
landscape (English Heritage 1998).
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